Def Leppard: The British rockers that have aged like a fine wine
Photo by Kevin Nixon / CC BY-SA 4.0
Vintage British heavy metal rockers Def Leppard have confirmed a return to the stage in 2019, with a 12-date residency scheduled in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. The Sheffield-born band has been active for more than four decades, with their unique brand of glam metal positioning them as one of the world’s best-selling bands, selling more than 100 million records worldwide. Recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year, it fits to see Def Leppard perform a dozen shows in the heart of the Vegas Strip during August and September.
The shows will take place at the Zappos Theater within the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The residency labelled “Def Leppard Hits Vegas: The Sin City Residency” marks the band’s second residency in Vegas. Joe Elliott, the long-time front man of the band, said that their first residency in Vegas — five years ago — was “relatively new ground for a rock band, giving this kind of experience” and they “really enjoyed it.” Elliott added that “breaking the cycle” of touring from “city to city” adds “another element to the experience for [the band] and the audience.”
The band’s first residency, ‘Viva! Hysteria’, took place back in March and April 2013, seeing the ‘Hysteria’ album played live in its entirety. Such was the success of this residency that they have agreed to play at the much bigger Zappos Theater, which has a capacity of 7,000 people. This time around, it seems likely that the band’s broader back catalogue will get an outing; from its early years in the late 70s to their most recent self-titled studio album release in 2015.
Live music residencies such as these have become ever more important to the Vegas economy, as it seeks to generate fresh income streams amid declining casino revenues. In fact, some might say that Vegas has rapidly become one of the best music cities in the world. There is a sense that the old Las Vegas has consigned to the history books, as the city attempts to diversify and offer more to its global tourist base.
Certainly, Def Leppard’s global fan base will be enticed to Nevada to catch a glimpse of one of the following 12 performance dates on August 14, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 29 and 31 as well as September 1, 4, 6 and 7. Tickets were well-received when they went on sale in February, with general admission prices starting at $69, plus applicable taxes and fees.
